3 Ways To Trick Your Brain Into Creative Writing

Why does starting a new story feel like standing at the edge of a freezing lake? You hold your breath because the plunge is inevitable.

You sit there. The screen is white, bright, and judging you. Here in the north, we know about silence. Real, heavy silence. But the silence inside your head when you're trying to do some creative writing? That is louder than a generator failing in January. You feel like you need to write the Great Canadian Novel instantly or you're a fraud. That anxiety is just your brain trying to protect you from failure. It's a survival mechanism, but it's really annoying when you're just trying to make art.

So here is the first shift: Embrace the garbage. Seriously. Your first draft isn't supposed to be art; it’s supposed to be existence. In cognitive behavioral therapy, we look at all-or-nothing thinking. You think if it’s not perfect, it’s trash. Stop that. Just put words on the page. Let them be messy. Let the characters have bad dialogue. The act of creative writing is about flow, not editing. You can fix a bad page, but you can’t fix a blank one. We need stories from our region, and they don't have to be polished diamonds right out of the gate.

Second, invite your inner critic to sit in the corner but take away their microphone. We all have that voice. It says, "Who are you to write this? You're just some kid from a small town." Acknowledge the thought. Say, "I hear you, fear." Then pivot. This is an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy vibe. You don't fight the feeling; you just make room for it while you do the work anyway. Your stories matter because they come from here, from this specific grit and landscape. Don't let the imposter syndrome win just because it's loud.

Finally, stop trying to write in a vacuum. Go outside. Look at the way the snow piles on the hydro lines. Listen to how people actually talk at the grocery store. Creative writing needs fuel, and you don't get fuel from doom-scrolling other people's success on the timeline. You get it from living. If you're stuck, close the laptop. Walk around the block. Reset your nervous system. The words will be there when you get back. We’re building a culture here, and that starts with you being kind enough to yourself to simply begin.

Northwestern Ontario Arts, Culture and Recreation

Rooted in Melgund Township, Northwestern Ontario we're exploring arts, culture, and recreation programming that brings our communitiess together. From creative workshops and local exhibitions to youth activities and cultural events, we support rural artists, strengthen community connection, and celebrate the creative spirit of Northwestern Ontario.

Through community-based arts initiatives, recreation programming, and cultural gatherings, Melgund Recreation, Arts and Culture fosters creative expression, collaboration, and long-term sustainability in the northern arts sector. Our work connects residents, empowers youth, and builds pride in local talent across rural Northwestern Ontario.

Learn more about our programs, events, and opportunities at Melgund Recreation, Arts and Culture.